Installing a Block Heater
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,081
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From: Central Texas
Originally Posted by Fredvon4
Prostock
I have a chunk of property on lake Brownwood... maybe this sumer we can stop together at Humphrey Petes for a brew and BS
I have a chunk of property on lake Brownwood... maybe this sumer we can stop together at Humphrey Petes for a brew and BS
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 380
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From: Buffalo NY
I'm back, because it has been in single digits for the last couple nights here in WNY.
I have a block heater on my 99 F250, V10... will it actually help the vehicle heat up in the morning? If so, can I plug it in when I get up, and by the time I'm out of the shower, and out for work my truck will be ready for me without having to walk outside in the snow and wind to start it and let it warm up? That would be great...
I have a block heater on my 99 F250, V10... will it actually help the vehicle heat up in the morning? If so, can I plug it in when I get up, and by the time I'm out of the shower, and out for work my truck will be ready for me without having to walk outside in the snow and wind to start it and let it warm up? That would be great...
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 175
From: Central Texas
Your close, for heat out of the heater it will be nearly instant, but not real hot. It takes my old '65 390 about 2 - 3 hours to get warm, but that is very dependant on the outside temp and wind.
Put a good timer on it and try it out. I'd start with at least a 2 hour period, and you can experiment from there.
A bonus is dramatically reduced emissions and engine wear at start-up.
Put a good timer on it and try it out. I'd start with at least a 2 hour period, and you can experiment from there.
A bonus is dramatically reduced emissions and engine wear at start-up.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,733
Likes: 38
Why not just plug her in when you park of the night?
I do this each and every night when we dip below 40 most of the time the energy costs are not noticeable on the bill,,,, these are not 1500 watt wall heaters..they do not draw many amps at all.
My coolant is not hot in the morning but the heater will blow warm air by the end of the drive way and the pre heated block dramatically reduces the cold idle time saving fuel and the motor.
The giant V10 and the puny block heater will need at least three hours in the morning depending on how cold it is over night...
Try it my way one night and your way the next and see what works for you best
I do this each and every night when we dip below 40 most of the time the energy costs are not noticeable on the bill,,,, these are not 1500 watt wall heaters..they do not draw many amps at all.
My coolant is not hot in the morning but the heater will blow warm air by the end of the drive way and the pre heated block dramatically reduces the cold idle time saving fuel and the motor.
The giant V10 and the puny block heater will need at least three hours in the morning depending on how cold it is over night...
Try it my way one night and your way the next and see what works for you best
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 154
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From: Titletown
block heater
I have a 5.4L here in Wisconsin. The past week has been GOD AWFUL COLD! It wa -18*F this morning and the F150 did not start 
How many watts and amps are the stock engine block heaters? I just want to know if I should get a timer, if so will a 15A timer work, or just plug it in before bedtime?
ERIC
How many watts and amps are the stock engine block heaters? I just want to know if I should get a timer, if so will a 15A timer work, or just plug it in before bedtime?ERIC
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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The V10 Ford block heater is only 750 watts, in the below 10 degree weather I leave it on all night.
Got a timer to use on lesser cold days that is rated 20amps so not a problem for most any block heater. I usually set it for 4 hours.
.r
Got a timer to use on lesser cold days that is rated 20amps so not a problem for most any block heater. I usually set it for 4 hours.
.r
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From: Long Island USA
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From: northport NY
block heater
My brother has a k10 chev with a mileage computer. He noticed his mileage is horrible until it makes closed loop. Somebody out there should study this with a V10 who has a computer option- ( I don't ). I bet a heater would pay off, even here in LIPA land (Long Island), because my mileage nosedives in the cold weather. If we are doing good at 12 in the summer, and 8 in the winter, what could the mileage be while it is warming up?
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by Louis Amsler
My brother has a k10 chev with a mileage computer. He noticed his mileage is horrible until it makes closed loop. Somebody out there should study this with a V10 who has a computer option- ( I don't ). I bet a heater would pay off, even here in LIPA land (Long Island), because my mileage nosedives in the cold weather.
A 600 watt heater, which is .6 Kwh (Kilowatts per hour).
Four hours to heat up.
20 business days per month.
.6*4*20 = 48Kwh. 48Khw @ $.1763 = $8.46
Not bad... wow... I'm starting to think it might be a very good idea. Starting? I'm CONVINCED...
Someone said .9 gallons per hour idling for a V10.
Figure I run it 15 minutes before I get in it to "warm it up". 20 days a month.
That's 15*20 = 300 minutes = 5 hours @ .9 gallons = 4.5 gallons @ $2.35 = $10.58
$8.46 to warm it up with a block heater for four hours. (here in LIPA-land, one of the highest electric rates in the nation)
$10.58 to warm it up with gasoline.
If your cost per Kwh is low enough, it makes a whole lot of sense. For me, I'd have to install a block heater. And I'd still not have total heat like I do after 15 minutes.
How hot would the coolant get after 4 hours when the outside temp is 20 degrees?
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